Former Yankee Joey Gallo Interrupted Spring Training Game Against Former Team – The Mercury News

Yankees fans in Florida shared a reminder of how they felt about a former Bronx Bomber.

Former Yankee Joey Gallo was booed loudly during the Minnesota Twins’ 1-0 win over the Bombers on Monday, giving the two-time All-Star a preview of what future road games at Yankee Stadium will look like.

Gallo went 1 for 3 in the game and was called out every time he reached base. The 29-year-old has become Yankees fan’s No. 1 enemy after a dismal management in the Bronx. Days before the 2021 trade deadline, the Yankees acquired Gallo and left-handed reliever Joely Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers in exchange for four minor leaguers. The Yankees hoped the transaction would bring a productive left-handed bat and defense to a team hoping for postseason success.

Gallo’s stint with the Yankees didn’t go well.

In 140 games with the Bombers from July 2021 to August 2022, Gallo reduced .159/.291/368 with 25 home runs and 46 RBI. He struck out 194 times in 501 plate appearances and never showed the Gold Glove winning defense that was on display as a member of the Rangers. Gallo was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season in exchange for aspiring pitcher Clayton Beeter.

“It was hard for him to get on track,” Yankees coach Aaron Boone said ahead of Monday’s loss. “Sometimes you want too much and get in the way a little. One thing, the game is tough and I never questioned his intent, his commitment, his work ethic. He never ran away from anything. He never wanted to drop out of the lineup or anything like that. He faced it head on, but it was a challenge for him. Was difficult. But I certainly have a lot of respect for him and how he did things.”

“Joey Gallo” is now used to serenade players fighting in the Bronx. Aaron Hicks was a casualty in August when he heard the chants after botching two plays in the outfield.

“You know when a guy cares and is dedicated to it and is also committed to being a good teammate, which he was. You certainly feel for guys that you know are going through a rough patch when the going is tough,” Boone said of Gallo.

The new Twin is sure to get a lot of attention from fans in the Bronx when the Yankees host Gallo’s team for a four-game series beginning April 13.

GAME NOTES

One thing remained consistent in Monday’s lackluster game: Antony Volpe hit and showed his glove. The front-runner got one of the team’s three total hits, a double bloop to left field in the third inning. Volpe, who played second base, also had two double plays with fellow prospect Oswald Peraza, who played shortstop.

The two have given fans a glimpse of what could be in the future, but for now, the two are competing for the starting role.

“It’s a friendly competition and we all try to do our best,” said Peraza through interpreter Marlon Abreu. “The team will make a choice at some point.”

SHORTER GAMES

Monday’s game between the Twins and the Yankees ended in two hours and 12 minutes, 49 minutes less than the average for last season’s spring training games. Through Saturday, this season’s spring training games averaged two hours and 36 minutes, 25 minutes less than last spring’s average.

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